Genesis 2-4 stands as an explanation of what went wrong with the world. It is the consummate question: Why is there so much evil in the world? Why is humanity so fractured? Why is the earth so full of violence and cruelty? Why are we nature’s victims rather than its carers? To answer this, we are told a story in which human beings reject God and God’s plan, to become ‘gods’ unto themselves. The consequences are foretold in Genesis 34:14-19. The notable thing about these consequences is the loss of love, peace and rest. Instead, there will be enmity, conflict and tumult. Jesus Christ came, however, to restore the rule of love, peace and rest in our lives. Consider the implications of this on the primary relationship between husband and wife. Eve is told that “her desire will be contrary to her husband” (ESV) and that “he shall rule over you”. Contrast this with Jesus’ command to his disciples not to “lord it over” each other, but to become each other’s servant (Mark 10:42-43). And also Paul’s command that we submit to one another, and that husbands must love their wives and serve them as Christ sacrificed himself for us (Ephesians 5:21-29). Jesus is inviting us to step out from under the consequences of Adam’s sin and come under the consequences of his redemption. Will you live by the principles of this corrupted world or by the principles of the Kingdom of God? You make this decision every day by the way you live. Through Christ, God is inviting you back into the Garden.
Reflect on how you have been living your life. Commit yourself to the way of Christ.
Read Genesis 3:14-24.
